Pro Pundits

Five players who could help you win your FPL mini-league in Gameweek 38

Seven-time top 10k finisher Zophar looks at the Premier League’s in-form attacks and leakiest defences before picking out Fantasy assets to consider for Gameweek 38. He also reveals his own FPL team for the final day of 2020/21.


With the season drawing to a close, there are still mini-leagues to be won and ranks to be improved upon. In this piece, I will be looking at five players who I feel can give you the push you need.

Spoiler alert: I have resisted the temptation to add Timo Werner (£9.2m) to this list…

Who are the form attacks?

That’s it from me for the 2020/21 season. It has been a challenging one for all of us in many ways but I hope that playing FPL has provided some sort of escape from it all. I hope you have enjoyed the content this year, both on the podcast and in these articles. I look forward to seeing you again next year. 

Pro Pundits 20
924 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zogzeg
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Targeting Leeds and Liverpool, which is best:

    A - Robbo, Raph
    B - Alioski, Raph
    C - Alioski,Mane

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. Robin Cook
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. Zogzeg
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thank you, that's they way I was leaning too.

    5. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C

    6. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A seems a bit safer

    7. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    8. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  2. fplfansss
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    G2G?

    Martinez
    TAA, Phillips, Digne
    Salah, Greenwood, Son, Lingard, Willock
    Wood, Kane

    Subs: Fabri, DCL, Shaw, Veltman

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Gtg

  3. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How’s she cuttin?

    Mendy
    Taa, Dallas, Coufal
    Salah, Torres, Raphina, Lingard
    Kane, Antonio, Wood

    Martinez, Bruno, Struijk, Mitchell 0ft .4itb

  4. Crazy RedDevil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    My current team for final gw is as below:
    Martínez
    Trent
    Phillips
    Dallas
    Greenwood
    Mahrez
    Salah
    Son
    Iheanacho
    Kane
    Bamford
    McCarthy
    Shaw
    Traoré
    Ward

    I've taken 1 hit to bring Trent & Bamford for digne & dcl. My current global ranking is 688 and in my mini league, I'm leading by 13 points only. Further, my rival has got lingard, Mendy & rudiger as differentials... Should i take more hits to win the mini league as well as to finish among top 500? What do u think,guys? Pl suggest.

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      More hits may block your rival and help you win your mini league but it will likely push you down the overall ranks. Which is more important to you?

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Wow that’s some ML you have! I don’t think you need to take hits given it’s only 13 points between you

    3. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No more hits

  5. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any more advice on this guys?

    Martínez
    TAA Dallas Ayling
    Bale Raph JLingz Salah Bruno
    Kane Nacho
    Forster DCL Shaw Coady

    I’m 16 points clear in my ML, opponent is without Salah, but has Son and might bring in Mane. Am worried Bale won’t play again and can’t afford Bruno -> Mane

    A) DCL -> Antonio, bench Bruno
    B) Bruno, DCL -> Mane, Antonio (-4), bench Bale

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. Igz08
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Bale injury concerns don’t warrant a hit ?

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          He wasn’t ruled out though was he? Yeah could be. I’m looking at Manè for a -4 also but it just leaves me with a benching headache so likely just going to bench Beuno

          1. Igz08
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Mason just said something about him playing through the pain etc and that players decision was not to start vs villa. Don’t see why he’d bother playing vs Leicester then you know?

            1. Paqueta Rice
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Likely Bales last game for them though I’d say he features if fit enough

              1. Igz08
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 10 months ago

                He might well come on though, but I guess with a hit I’m taking a gamble on him not playing. Hmm

    2. Cognitive Dissonance
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      It’s Bale’s last appearance in a Spurs shirt so I’d expect him to start, but Leicester is a tough game. Bruno probably won’t play at all so on balance B seems the better choice

  6. Little Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Either of these worth a -4:
    a. Son -> Mane
    b. Watkins -> Antonio

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would do both, if not chasing

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Do Manè and Antonio outscore Son and Watkins by 8? Tough

      2. Little Frank
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Can't afford both sadly.

  7. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Firmino+Willock (no pool def)
    B) Phillips+Antonio
    C) Taa+Carvalho
    D) Taa+Greenwood (no bruno)

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You don’t need Bruno or Greenwood this week I reckon. I like A and B

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I like B

  8. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Heard the FPL Wire boys talking about this. Good way to see where your points have come from.

    https://fploptimized.com/highlights.html

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks, Kane

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Martial in my XI

      That's an achievement!

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      nice

    4. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Martinez was a hero for me in defence. Captained Salah 16 times. Can't believe I owned Doherty and Mitrovic.

    5. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Only 48% captain success ratio absolutely stinks.

      This is making relive the perma captain Salah nightmare just as the witch doctor curse started.

      Also loading up on Wolves and City on gameweek 3 wildcard along with Werner. What a mess. Roll on 6pm tomorrow.

    6. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      This is amazing thank you !

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Watkins got me 166 points with not a single cap, need to give him my player of the season trophy 🙂

    7. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nice one, thanks!

      65% cap success! Not bad

  9. bobwils
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Did I hear something about team sheets being out early this week?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      there will be rumours as usual. Not many which you can trust

  10. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any reason to OGS not to field attacking four players as below? And give cameo to Bruno/Rashford/Greenwood for example.

    Elanga/James | Mata/VDB | Diallo
    Shoretire

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      James will feature but not sure from the start. Greenwood probably starts and is in the bench for Europa. I have a feeling Rashford may start and come off early too.

  11. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A. Digne > Robbo
    B. Bruno > Mane

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Like both moves

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        But if you had to choose?

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Digne to Robertson then. I can see the allure of Manè but Robertson has been in better form.

    2. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B has more upside

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I don’t think that it does though - it’s pretty equal

        1. #Swish41
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Fair enough. You asked, I have my opinion 🙂

  12. BigKeith
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Gtg?
    Sanchez
    Shaw, TAA, Dallas
    Salah, Mane, Willock, Greenwood, Lingaard
    Bamford, Antonio

    Martinez, Watkins, Digne, Struijk

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah. I’d expect Digne will come in for Shaw

  13. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Liverpool have been absolutely terrible at home this season. I'm going with city, mahrez c or kdb possibly if we know he's starting. Can see that game being wide open on the final day.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      But fans?

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        They made a huge difference to Tottenham.....

        1. Ha.
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Completely different team...

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You don’t think the Anfield supporters and fighting for top 4 are going to have an effect though? I do.

    3. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not a bad shout. Liverpool clearly have more to play for and did tonk Palace earlier in the season though

    4. BigKeith
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That was without fans though

    5. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool have been pretty terrible in general this season, would 100% go City players over them.

  14. #Swish41
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all, sat at 13k with 20 pt ML lead:

    1. Watkins > Antonio (bench Bruno)

    2. Bruno > Mane (bench Watkins).

    3. Ward > Coufal (bench Shaw)

    TAA is the only one my rivals have that scares me, but can’t afford without a hit - not worth a hit right?

    Pickford
    Phillips Dallas Shaw
    Salah Son Bruno Lingz Raph
    Bamford Kane

    Forster Watkins Godfrey Ward

    Cheers all, lots on the line!

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think do 2. You've got Phillips so at least the clean sheet is covered. Shaw is unlikely to play but you'll get Godfrey. I wouldn't take a hit.

  15. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What happened to Pereira? Not ideal, he's one of my best differentials and I can't really afford to transfer him out!

    Henderson
    TAA Dallas Coufal
    Salah(C) Son Greenwood Lingard
    Kane(VC) Bamford Iheanacho
    Lloris Pereira* Shaw Ward

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Who had you intended on benching for him, Greenwood?

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        He's in better form than all my midfielders!

    2. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I heard speculation that they’re selling him so not risking injury

  16. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Ings and DCL out
    For
    Bamford and Antonio

    Worth a -4?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably not

    2. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’d just get one for free

  17. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who do we think gets more minutes? Greenwood or Fernandes?

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood. But it might be 0 for Bruno and 20 for Greenwood. Greenwood is my biggest headache this week.

  18. Booked4Dissent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I might have to do the MOTD challenge for the first time. Defending 20 point ML lead. Can’t watch the games. Don’t know if I can resist checking scores or if my heart can’t take the highlights.

  19. Guru Mediation
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Defending top 10k (around 8k right now), and 10pt mini league lead. Rival has the following differences in their team:
    Him: Holding, Trent, Son, Bamford Vs
    Me: Shaw, Phillips, Greenwood, Nacho

    Thinking of Trent in for sure, but should I block Bamford (by taking out DCL) for a minus 4?
    Essentially leaves me +6, Phillips, Greenwood Vs his Holding, Son (without transfers)

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Don’t bother with the -4

  20. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dump Man U assets for sure starters?

    Bruno + Greenwood => Raph + Mané (-4)

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would, yes. Minutes matter
      Most

  21. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    This is my current front 7 with Bruno benched:

    Salah, Torres, Raphina, Lingard
    Kane, Antonio, Wood

    Bruno to Manè for -4 would push me back to 14 points behind in ML and leaves me with a benching headache? Not worth it is it?

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mmm no. The stars might align for you, don’t force it

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thank you

  22. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Digne or Coady first sub?

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Digne! Easy

  23. PaulParker
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A) Lingard
    B) Greenwood
    C) Raph

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably *just* Greenwood. And that’s only because of risky minutes. All great picks this week

    2. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood. But greenwood can score multiple as sub

  24. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1FT and £0.1m itb. Would ideally start all of the below. Bench is DCL, Rudiger, Coady. Who are the priorities to replace:

    a) Jota
    b) Bruno
    c) Shaw

    Currently on Jota to Harrison/Raphina (leaning to Harrison as would be differential in mini leagues).

    Not sure shipping Bruno (owned by all competitors) is worth a hit to remove as I can see City conceding.

    Anyway, any thoughts/suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance

  25. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Got 2 tranfers looking to make 20 points on my rival, he has Son.
    Which option should i go with...
    A) Son + Reguilon to Auba + Philips
    B) Greenwood + Reguilon to Mahrez + Tierney

    Any other suggestions ?

  26. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sell one:
    A) DCL
    B) Watkins

    Buy one:
    1) Bamford
    2) Antonio
    3) Nacho
    4) anyone else up to 10.2

    1. The Fantasy Doctor
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Watkins. Get Antonio.

    2. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      DCL out for Bamford

  27. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A. DCL+Digne to Bamford+Robertson
    B. DCL+Bale to Bamford+Raphina

    Areola
    TAA Digne Dallas
    Salah Son Torres Lingard
    Kane DCL Antonio

    Forster Bale Mitchell Johnson

  28. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start Shaw or castagne?

    1. The Fantasy Doctor
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would start Shaw.

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think Shaw is a 0 pointer. I'd play Castagne because he can get an attacking return.

      1. The Fantasy Doctor
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I don’t think Shaw will start. But if he does, I’d rather have him. He won’t be subbed on so you’d get Castagne anyway.

  29. The Fantasy Doctor
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Shaw to Dallas (-4)

    I’m slightly reluctant due to small chance of start for Shaw (momentum) and have Coady coming in against changed United side and have home fans.

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Really close call. I probably wouldn't.

  30. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    G2G? I have just 1 point more then my rival. On -8, but I think that he will take a hit or two also.
    Play safe with Salah(C)?

    My squad:

    Martinez
    Taa Holding Dallas
    Salah(C) Mane Son Harrison
    Kane Bamford Antonio

    Steer Pereira* Aina Saiss

    1. The Fantasy Doctor
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn’t do anymore than -8. Go for Salah unless you have a strong opinion that someone will score more.